The US midterm results fell short of the sweeping “red wave” gains the Republicans had anticipated, after the Democrats performed better than expected.
However, with several key races still undetermined, the Republicans remained favored to take control of the House of Representatives.
Midterm Election
On Tuesday, Americans went to the polls to elect candidates for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and 35 seats in the Senate.
Biden’s low approval ratings amid rising inflation had been expected to be a setback for the Democratic Party, but they still performed better than expected in several state races.
Nevertheless, the Republicans appears favored to take control of the House of Representatives, closing in on the 218 majority with 199 seats against the Democrat’s 172.
House of Representatives
If the Republicans take control of the House of Representatives, Biden would have a more difficult time passing legislation.
A Republican-led House could launch inquiries that could bog down US politics. They have promised to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and the business dealings of Biden’s son Hunter.
US Senate
Before the election, the 100-seat upper chamber was split 50-50, but considered blue due to US Vice President Kamala Harris having a tie-breaking vote.
The Democrats flipped the Republican-controlled Senate seat of Pennsylvania after John Fetterman defeated Republican Mehmet Oz.
However, who get the Senate majority is still undetermined at 48-48, with seats in Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona, too early to call.
Governors Races
Republican Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas, two potential future presidential challengers, managed to hold on to their governors’ seats.
Georgia’s Republican Governor Brain Kemp defeated challenger Stacey Abrams, who had sought to become the first Black female governor in US history.
Wes Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor, and Massachusetts’ Maura Healy is set to become the first openly lesbian governor of a US state.
More than 46 million Americans voted ahead of Election Day.
